THE MEN OF NEW FRANCE

Men of New France lived as the Indians lived

62. Life of the Trapper, Jesuit Missionary, and Soldier of New France.For more than a hundred years afterthe explorations of Joliet and La Salle the French in Canada sent trappers, missionaries, and soldiers into the new territory. The trappers lived on friendly terms with the Indians. They took shelter in the Indian wigwam and sat at the Indian camp fire. Together they searched the forest for game, and paddled up and down the rivers and lakes in the Indian canoes. They joined in the Indian sports, lived as the Indians lived, and often married the Indian maidens.

The lives of the missionaries who went to preach among the Indians were full of self-sacrifice. They had great difficulties to overcome. The Indians were ignorant and hard to teach, but they treated the missionaries with respect and loved them for their kind deeds.

Long years of war

From the mouth of the St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico the soldiers of New France built many forts. Their chief danger was from the Iroquois Indians, who sided with the English in the long years of war. Many times their settlements were destroyed, their forts burned. But they were courageous and determined. They went on with their work of establishing New France in America, fighting the English and the Indians, until 1759. Then Wolfe captured Quebec and New France became English territory.

The Leading Facts.1.La Salle was sent to complete the exploration of the Mississippi.2.La Salle made his way to the Gulf of Mexico and later built the fort at Starved Rock.3.The French sent trappers, missionaries, and soldiers into New France to strengthen it against the English.4.The French trappers lived on intimate terms with the Indians.5.With the fall of Quebec, England won New France.Study Questions.1.Why was La Salle not satisfiedmerely to get rich?2.Describe the first voyage on the Lakes.3.Find on the map the places named, from Mackinac to Fort Crèvecœur.4.How did La Salle reach the Mississippi?5.Picture Tonti's fort on Starved Rock.6.Tell the story of the fate of La Salle.7.What Indian tribe sided with the English?8.What was the effect of the fall of Quebec?Suggested Readings.La Salle: Wright,Children's Stories in American History, 316-330; Pratt,Later Colonial Period, 1-28.

The Leading Facts.1.La Salle was sent to complete the exploration of the Mississippi.2.La Salle made his way to the Gulf of Mexico and later built the fort at Starved Rock.3.The French sent trappers, missionaries, and soldiers into New France to strengthen it against the English.4.The French trappers lived on intimate terms with the Indians.5.With the fall of Quebec, England won New France.

Study Questions.1.Why was La Salle not satisfiedmerely to get rich?2.Describe the first voyage on the Lakes.3.Find on the map the places named, from Mackinac to Fort Crèvecœur.4.How did La Salle reach the Mississippi?5.Picture Tonti's fort on Starved Rock.6.Tell the story of the fate of La Salle.7.What Indian tribe sided with the English?8.What was the effect of the fall of Quebec?

Suggested Readings.La Salle: Wright,Children's Stories in American History, 316-330; Pratt,Later Colonial Period, 1-28.


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